The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has asked defence from the Turkish state regarding the ongoing curfew and state of siege in Cizre district of Şırnak. Turkey has been asked to submit their defense until 8 January.
The request by ECtHR came after lawyers Muhammed Neşet Girasun and Erkan Şenses applied to the Court on 29 December upon a repeated rejection of their demand for action from the Constitutional Court of Turkey. Lawyers on behalf of civilian Ömer Elçi- from Cizre's Nur neighborhood- demanded the ending of the curfew and military operations ongoing in the town since 14 December, or a temporary expedient in line with international standards.
With regards to the ongoing siege by military and police forces in Cizre, the European Court of Human Rights asked for a defence by the Turkish state regarding the following points;
1- What is the legal basis of the curfew?
2- Are people in the curfew area provided with their basic needs and sufficient health services?
3- Is a healthy evacuation assured in the event of the applicant's refusal to leave home?
The Court also asked for a defence by the Turkish state regarding the civilian deaths highlighted by lawyers in their application.